Report: There has been “mild frustration and confusion” surrounding Gunther’s recent use on SmackDown
According to WrestleVotes Radio, there has been mild frustration and confusion surrounding Gunther’s recent use on WWE SmackDown. A source indicated that his current direction has raised questions among members of WWE’s creative team, particularly given the trajectory of his career following his string of retirements and his move to SmackDown.
There is reportedly uncertainty about how WWE plans to capitalize on the momentum Gunther built in recent months, with some questioning whether the company had a clear plan for him following his retirement of John Cena.
While speaking to Busted Open Radio, Cena acknowledged the criticism that WWE may be wasting Gunther but said he doesn’t know what creative plans the company has for him. Cena suggested WWE could be intentionally cooling Gunther off or keeping him off television temporarily.
WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select is hearing from sources that there's been a mild sense of frustration and confusion surrounding the recent use of GUNTHER on SmackDown, especially with the string of retirement matches.
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— Fightful Wrestling (@fightful.com) October 15, 2026 at 10:05 PM